Belarusian Brestmash to assemble first Chinese automobiles in December

BREST, 19 September (BelTA) – The first few vehicles assembled by OAO Brestmash will roll off the assembly line by the end of the year, BelTA learned from Brest Oblast Vice Governor Andrei Klets on 19 September.

The project is being implemented by JAC Motors Company from China's Anhui Province and the Belarusian holding company BelavtoMAZ. Brestmash is part of the holding company. In line with the contract the Chinese side supplies components while the Brest-based company assembles and tests the vehicles. The vehicles will then be sold using a brand of MAZ, the managing company of the holding company BelavtoMAZ. The first few assembly kits are on the way. They are supposed to be delivered to Brest in late October. “We are convinced we will assemble about 50 vehicles this year – a minibus with 16 seats and a cargo van. There are plans to assemble about 2,000 vehicles per annum,” noted Andrei Klets. He added that the first few vehicles will roll off the assembly line in December.

Brestmash has allocated an independent manufacturing wing for assembling the vehicles. Its repair is nearly over. All the work proceeds on schedule. “JAC Motors expressed interest in making light-duty vehicles together with Brestmash two years ago. We hope this cooperation will be effective,” said Andrei Klets.

Brest Oblast and Anhui Province signed a cooperation agreement one year ago. The sides are intent on expanding and bolstering the ties, in particular, cooperation for exporting Belarusian food. “Our companies already sell their products to China, but they don't cooperate with Anhui Province companies for now. I am convinced that these contacts will be established next year if not this year. Brest Oblast representatives will participate in an import expo in China in November. A large delegation will be sent. New contracts in various spheres are being prepared for signing, including in mechanical engineering, food industry, chemical industry, and other areas,” concluded Andrei Klets.